DROUGHT IN ALABAMA: IMPLICATIONS FOR LITIGATION, ENVIRONMENTAL AND ECONOMIC IMPACTS, AND MONITORING IN A "WATER RICH STATE"

Alabama is known as a “water rich state.” However, recent droughts combined with major economic development are causing concern from many state officials, water supply professionals, agricultural interests, and the scientific community. Understanding Alabama's diverse hydrogeology and climatic impacts is essential to the efficient distribution and protection of the state's water resources.

One pertinent case study involves a dispute between an agricultural irrigator (surface-water user) and a public water supply system (ground-water user) in a karst area of north Alabama. During drought conditions, more than 40 percent of Mountain Fork Creek discharge originates from ground water that supplies a sole source well for the Madison County Water Authority. Resolution of the dispute combines water conservation and identifying and developing alternative water sources.

A second example involves a 408-acre natural lake (Lake Jackson) bisected by the Alabama-Florida state line. The lake has recently been considered by officials in Alabama and Florida as a potential water source. A hydrogeologic investigation to determine the source of water for the lake and the impacts of drought conditions and potential water supply withdrawals concluded that Lake Jackson formed as a result of faulting and solution of limestone bedrock resulting in a sinkhole. No springs or other water sources from carbonate sediments were found in the lake. During periods of normal rainfall the lake level remains relatively stable. However, during extended drought the lake level will rapidly decline and could not support use as a water supply source.

Currently, the Geological Survey of Alabama, in cooperation with other agencies, is implementing the state's first ground-water drought monitoring program. The program will employ real-time monitoring of shallow ground-water levels in areas of critical aquifer recharge and intense agricultural activity. These data will be used to develop comprehensive drought monitoring and predictive capability for the state.

Although Alabama is considered a “water rich state,” problems related to water supply and drought impacts are worsening. Knowledge of hydrologic conditions and drought impacts is essential for the future of Alabama's water resources.